SELF LOCKING FASTENER

Description

[0001] The subject invention relates to a seat assembly for a vehicle including a side air bag unit and, more specifically, to an interlocking fastener for securing an intensifier sleeve surrounding the air bag unit.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Side impact air bag units that inflate an air bag laterally or to the side of a seat assembly are well known in the prior art. The seat assemblies typically include a seat cover sewn together from a number of separate trim pieces for encapsulating the seat frame and the air bag unit. During deployment of the air bag, the air bag exists through one of the seams in the trim cover.

[0003] An intensifier sleeve is frequently used to guide the air bag during deployment. In particular, intensifier sleeves include a pair of sleeve sheets sandwiching the air bag therebetween. Each of the sheets presents a first edge and a second edge. The first edges are sewn into the seam of the trim cover. The second edges are supported by the seat frame. The intensifier sleeve therefore directs the air bag toward the seam of the trim cover such that the air bag will correctly and completely deploy through the seam. An example of such a prior art seat assembly is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,967,546 to Homier et al., two of the same inventors named herein.

[0004] Side impact air bag units employing an intensifier sleeve are housed within a relatively small area in the side of the seat assembly. During the installation of the intensifier sleeve and air bag unit, it is frequently a challenge to accurately and securely mount the intensifier sleeve to the seat frame. A number of different installation techniques have been developed. One basic method of supporting the intensifier sleeve is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,588,670 to Storey et al., which merely discloses a pair of basic clamps. These clamps do not provide an easy, quick and error free installation of the intensifier sleeve. Another design for supporting the intensifier sleeve is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,967,546 to Homier et al., The Homier '546 patent discloses a wire interconnecting two distal ends of the sleeve opposite the seam of the trim cover. This method of attachment, however, may be cumbersome, difficult and time consuming to install considering the confined spaces of the seat assembly.

[0005] One improved attachment method provided by the prior art is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,967,603 to Genders et al. which is a family member of EP-A-1 023 206, belonging to the prior art according to Art. 54(3)EPC and which discloses a pair of J-shaped hooks attached to the distal ends of the intensifier sleeve. The hooks, however, may be improperly installed such that only a portion of the hooks are interleaved with each other. Further, the hooks may slide or otherwise move relative to each other such that only a small portion of the hooks remain engaged or the hooks disengage entirely. If the airbag was to deploy when the hooks were only partially engaged or disengaged, the purpose and function of the intensifier sleeve would be defeated such that the airbag may not correctly or completely deploy through the seam in the seat. Further, even if the hooks of the '603 patent were properly interleaved, there are no devices on the hooks to prevent the hooks from sliding or otherwise moving relative to each other and then disconnecting during deployment of the airbag.

[0006] An object of this invention is to provide a seat assembly including an air bag until having an intensifier sleeve that can be quickly and easily supported around a seat frame. Another object of this invention is to provide a seat assembly including an air bag unit having a fastener means that ensures that an intensifier sleeve is correctly attached to a seat frame and that the fastener remains attached to the seat frame during the life of the seal assembly.

Summary of the Invention and Advantages

[0007] A seat assembly for a vehicle comprising a seat frame and a cover that covers the seat frame. The cover has a seam. An air bag unit is disposed inside the cover. The air bag unit includes an air bag disposed between a pair of sheets of an intensifier sleeve. Each sheet has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is connected to the seam of the cover. The assembly is characterized by an interlocking fastener having outboard and inboard portions each of which are connected to one of each of the second edges. The inboard and outboard portions are mechanically interlocked with the second edges disposed about the seat frame such that the intensifier sleeve is supported by the seat frame.

[0008] Accordingly, the subject invention provides a seat assembly including an air bag unit having a fastener that enables an intensifier sleeve to be quickly, easily and properly supported by a seat frame.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly according to this invention incorporating a side impact air bag unit;

Figure 2 a fragmentary perspective view of the side impact air bag unit incorporating an interlocking fastener of the subject invention;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 with the components thereof in an exploded relationship;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of an intensifier sleeve stitched into a seam of a trim cover;

Figure 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fastener having outboard and inboard portions;

Figure 7 is a front view of the inboard portion of the fastener shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an end view of the fastener taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 7;

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 7; and

Figure 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fastener.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0010] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a vehicle seat assembly is generally shown at 10 in Figure 1. The seat assembly 10 includes a side impact air bag unit 11. The air bag unit 11 illustrated deploys from the side or bolster section of the seat assembly 10 in order to protect the occupant from side impacts. As will be appreciated, the subject invention may be used for other air bag unit configurations and locations.

[0011] The seat assembly 10 also includes a seat cushion 13 and a seat back 15 with both the cushion 13 and back 15 covered by a cover 16. The cover 16 may be of any suitable material such as cloth, leather, vinyl or the like. As is known in the seat manufacturing art, the covers 16 is typically formed of a number of separate trim pieces which are sewn together defining a plurality of seams 18. In particular, the seams 18 are defined by stitches 19. As will be appreciated, the subject invention is by no way limited to a particular type, style or design of seat assembly 10.

[0012] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the air bag unit 11 includes an air bag canister 12 which is mounted to a seat frame 14. The seat frame 14 is shown as a tubular member. Alternatively, the seat frame 14 may be of any suitable construction. The seat frame 14 is part of an overall seat frame that forms corresponding parts of the seat cushion 13 and seat back 15.

[0013] The air bag canister 12 of the subject invention includes an opening (not shown) wherein an air bag (not shown) is designed to deploy through the cover 16 covering the seat frame 14. Specifically, the air bag is designed to deploy through the seam 18 defined by the stitch 19 connecting two pieces of the cover material 16. The particular design, size or configuration of the air bag canister 12 and air bag are in no way limited by the illustrated embodiment.

[0014] An intensifier sleeve 17 surrounds the opening and the air bag to direct the air bag into the seam 18 of the cover 16. The intensifier sleeve 17 is defined by two sheets or pieces 20 wherein each piece or sheet 20 has a first end or edge 22 and a second end or edge 24.

[0015] For illustrative purposes, Figures 2 and 3 show the seam 18 of the cover 16 in a spaced relationship from the first ends 22 of the sleeve sheets 20. As appreciated, the first ends 22 of the sheets 20 would be stitched together in a sandwiched fashion with the seam 18 on the cover 16. The preferred stitching configuration is best shown in Figure 4. The sheets 20, however, may be affixed to the seam 18 of the cover 16 by any suitable means.

[0016] The sheets 20 of the intensifier sleeve 17 are preferably made of a nylon type material which is stronger than the stitch 19 of the cover 16 and the air bag itself. The strength of the sheets 20 is particularly important during the deployment of the air bag.

[0017] During deployment, the air bag expands in a quick and volatile manner. The intensifier sleeve 17 directs the air bag toward the seam 18 of the cover 16. The expansion forces load the sheets 20 of the intensifier sleeve 17 in tension such that the seam 18 of the cover 16 tears open as the stitch 19 breaks. This opens a path for the air bag to follow as the air bag emerges from the seat assembly 10 to a fully deployed position. This type of deployment is known in the art as is discussed in the background section.

[0018] Due to the volatile nature of the air bag deployment, the sheets 20 of the intensifier sleeve 17 should be securely supported by the seat frame 14. Preferably, the second ends 24 of the two sheets 20 each include extensions or tabs 25 which extend around the air bag canister 12 and are connected together around the seat frame 14. As illustrated, one of the extensions 25 may be longer than the other extension 25 in order to surround the desired portion of the seat frame 14.

[0019] An interlocking or self-locking fastener, generally shown at 26, securely supports the two second ends 24 of the intensifier sleeve 17 around the seat frame 14. As will be appreciated, the fastener 26 may be used in a variety of environments and the side impact air bag unit 11 is simply illustrative of one environment. Other environments may include different air bag unit configurations, air bag unit positions, seat trim attachments around seat cushions and seat backs, and/or cover attachments.

[0020] The fastener 26 includes an elongated outboard portion 28 and an elongated inboard portion 30 which interlock together. Preferably, the outboard 28 and inboard 30 portions are identical to each other which reduces the possibility of installation error. The portions 28, 30, however, are in now way limited to being identical, such as will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to an alternative embodiment.

[0021] Referring also to Figures 5 through 11, the preferred embodiment of the outboard 28 and inboard 30 portions is shown in greater detail. The inboard 30 and outboard 28 portions each include a back panel 32 extending in a strip between opposite distal ends 35. A plurality of J-shaped hooks 34 preferably extend across the entire length of and between the ends 35 of each back panel 32. Preferably, the J-shaped hooks 34 are disposed in a side by side relationship between the opposite ends 35. The back panels 32 have upper and lower edges with the upper edge extending beyond the J-shaped hooks 34 to provide a flat connecting section 31 along the upper edge.

[0022] As best shown in Figures 1 and 5, the flat connection section 31 of the outboard portion 28 is sewn by stitches to one of the second ends 24 of the sleeve sheet 20. The stitches formed by the outboard portion 28 and the second end 24 of the intensifiersleeve 17 define a seam 33. Similarly, the flat connecting section 31 of the inboard portion 30 is sewn by stitches to the other second end 24 of the other sleeve sheet 20. The stitches formed by the inboard portion 30 and the other second end 24 of the corresponding sheet 20 likewise define a seam 33. Hence, the seams 33 connect the back panels 32 of the outboard 28 and inboard 30 portions to the respective second edges 24 of the sleeve sheets 20. The outboard 28 and inboard 30 portions may, however, be secured to the respective ends of the intensifier sleeve sheets 20 by any suitable means, including an adhesive, rivets or the like.

[0023] A plurality of slots 36 are formed between the hooks 34 to provide separation between adjacent hooks 34. A support rib 38 extends from the back panel 32 to each of the hooks 34 to provide support for the corresponding hook 34 in spaced relationship to the back panel 32. Preferably, the ribs 38 are centrally located on each of the hooks 34. The J-shaped hooks 34 include a base 37 for engaging opposing J-shaped hooks 34 of an opposing back panel 34. It should be appreciated that the exact configuration of the hooks 34 as described above may be modified without deviating from the overall scope of the subject invention.

[0024] A mechanical locking device 40 is disposed on at least one of the panels 32 of the portions 28, 30 for locking the outboard 28 and inboard 30 portions together. The locking device 40 includes at least one resilient locking finger 42 extending outwardly from at least one of the opposite ends 35 of the panels 32. Preferably, the locking device 40 includes a resilient locking finger 42 extending from each of the opposite ends 35 at the upper edges of each of the panels 32. Hence, both the outboard 28 and inboard 30 portions include a pair of locking fingers 42. The locking fingers 42 are resiliently formed inwardly toward the J-shaped hooks 34. The particular configuration and number of locking devices 40 may be modified without deviating from the overall scope of the subject invention.

[0025] To interconnect the outboard 28 and inboard 30 portions, the J-shaped hooks 34 on the back panel 32 of the outboard portion 28 are interleaved with the J-shaped hooks 34 on the back panel 32 of the inboard portion 30. In particular, the ribs 38 of the outboard portion 28 are disposed in the slots 36 of the inboard portion 30 and similarly the ribs 38 of the inboard portion 30 are disposed in the slots 36 of the outboard portion 28.

[0026] Once interlocked, the ribs 38 and slots 36 of the outboard portion 28 are shifted from the ribs 38 and slots 36 of the inboard portion 30 such that the inboard 30 and outboard 28 portions may be locked together. In other words, when a user locks the two portions 28, 30 together, the hooks 34 engage each other and the ribs 38 engage the corresponding slots 36. This rib 38 and slot 36 engagement prevents the inboard 30 and outboard 28 portions from sliding end to end relative to each other. Figures 8-11 illustrates various sectional views of the J-shaped hook 34, rib 38, and slot 36.

[0027] The locking of the inboard 30 and outboard 28 portions occurs because of the locking fingers 42. Specifically, as a user pushes the two portions 28, 30 together, the corresponding hooks 34 engage each other and the ribs 38 engage the corresponding slots 36. As the corresponding hooks 34 slide into engagement, the fingers 42 are pushed toward the respective back panel 32. Specifically, the hooks 34 of the inboard portion 30 that are directly adjacent the ends 35 push against the fingers 42 of the outboard portion 28. Similarly, the hooks 34 of the outboard portion 28 that are directly adjacent the ends 35 push against the fingers 42 of the inboard portion 30. When the hooks 34 are fully engaged, the fingers 42 snap back into position behind an adjacent hook 34. Specifically, at least one of the fingers 42 of the outboard portion 28 engages one of the bases 37 of the inboard portion 30. Additionally, at least one of the fingers 42 of the inboard portion 30 engages one of the bases 37 of the outboard portion 30. As such, the fingers 42 and the respective hooks 34 cooperate to secure the two portions 28, 30 together. As illustrated in the preferred embodiment, the identical portions 28, 30 are offset when interlocked such that only one finger 42 of each portion 28, 30 engages an opposing base 37. The engaged configuration of the fastener 26 is best shown in Figures 2 and 5.

[0028] To unlock the inboard portion 30 from the outboard portion 28 the user must bias the fingers 42 toward the back panel 32 to disengage the fingers 42 from the corresponding bases 37.

[0029] Referring to Figure 12, an alternative embodiment of the fastener 26 is shown wherein like numeral increased by 100 indicate like or correspondingparts. The alternative embodiment of Figure 12 includes a fastener 126, which differs primarily in the configuration of a locking device 140. The alternative locking device 140 includes a resilient locking finger 142 extending from a lower edge of one of an outboard 128 and inboard 130 portion. A notch 144 is formed in the other portion 130, 128 such that the finger 142 engages the notch 144 during the locking of the portions 128, 130. The locking finger 142 is preferably provided on the inboard portion 130 that engages the notch 144 within the outboard portion 128. The outboard 128 and inboard 130 portions of this alternative embodiment are therefore dissimilar. Due to the dissimilar nature of this alternative fastener 126, the portions 128, 130 are not reversible and can only-be locking together in one way. This design therefore ensures that the fastener 126 is correctly interlocked each and every time.

[0030] Preferably, the finger 142 and notch 144 are formed between a plurality of adjacent J-shaped hooks 134. The finger 142 is biased to maintain locking engagement between the outboard 128 and inboard 130 portions. A cam 146 is provided on the locking tab 142 such that the two portions 128, 130 are easy to assemble by hand. In addition, the two portions 128, 130 may be of contrasting colors, such as black and white, respectively, which may assist in determining if the two portions 128, 130 are fully engaged and locked.

[0031] To unlock the two portions 128, 130, a user pushes on the finger 142 until the finger 142 disengages the notch 144. The inboard 130 and outboard 128 portions can now be pulled apart.

[0032] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology as used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A seat assembly (10) for a vehicle comprising;
   a seat frame (14),
   a cover (16) covering said seat frame (14) and including at least one scam (18),
   an air bag unit (11) supported by said seat frame (14) and disposed inside said cover (16), said air bag unit (11) including an air bag,
   a pair of sheets (20) sandwiching said air bag therebetween, each of said sheets (20) having a first edge (22) connected to said seam (18) of said cover (16) and a second edge (24) supported by said seat frame (14),
   a fastener (26) having outboard (28) and inboard (30) portions with said outboard portion (28) being connected to one of said second edges (24) and said inboard portion (30) being connected to the other of said second edges (24), said inboard portion (30) interconnected to said outboard portion (28) to support said second edges (24) on said seat frame (14), and
   said outboard (28) and inboard (30) portions each including a back panel (32) extending in a strip between opposite ends (35) and at least one J-shaped hook (34) disposed between said opposite ends (35),
   said assembly further comprising a mechanical locking device (40) disposed on at least one of said panels (32) of said portions (28, 30) for locking said outboard (28) and inboard (30) portions together when said J-shaped hook (34) of said outboard portion (28) is interleaved with said J-shaped hook (34) of said inboard portion (30).

2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said back panels (32) have upper and lower edges with said upper edge extending beyond said J-shaped hooks (34) to provide a flat connecting section (31) along said upper edge.

3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 further including a seam (33) connecting said flat connecting sections (31) of said outboard (28) and inboard (30) portions to said respective second edges (24) of said sheets (20).

4. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said outboard (28) and inboard (30) portions include a series of J-shaped hooks (34).

5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 further including slots (36) separating adjacent J-shaped hooks (34).

6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 further including a support rib (38) extending from said back panel (32) and supporting each of said J-shaped hooks (34) in spaced relationship to said back panel (32).

7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said support ribs (38) of said outboard portion (28) are disposed in said slots (36) of said inboard portion (30) and said support ribs (38) of said inboard portion (30) are disposed in said slots (36) of said outboard portion (28) when said J-shaped hooks (34) are interleaved with one another.

8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein each of said J-shaped hooks (34) include a base (37) for engaging opposing J-shaped hooks (34) of the opposite back panel (32).

9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein each of said ribs (38) is centrally located on each of said J-shaped hooks (34).

10. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said locking device (40) includes at least one resilient locking finger (42) extending outwardly from at least one of said opposite ends (35) of each of said panels (32).

11. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said locking device (40) includes a resilient locking finger (42) extending from each of said opposite ends (35) at said upper edges of each of said panels (32).

12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein at least one of said locking fingers (42) of said outboard portion (28) engages one of said bases (37) of said inboard portion (30) while at least one of said locking fingers (42) of said inboard portion (30) engages one of said bases (37) of said outboard portion (30) during said locking of said portions (28, 30).

13. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said locking device (40) includes a resilient locking finger (42) extending from said lower edge of one of said portions (28, 30) with a notch (44) formed in said other of said portions (30, 28) such that said finger (42) engages said notch (44) during said locking of said portions (28, 30).

14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said finger (42) and said notch (44) are formed between said series of J-shaped hooks (34).

Ansprüche

1. Sitzanordnung (10) für ein Kraftfahrzeug mit:

einem Sitzrahmen (14),

einer Abdeckung (16) zum Abdecken des Sitzrahmens (14), die mindestens eine Naht (18) umfaßt,

einer Airbag-Einheit (11), die von dem Sitzrahmen getragen und im Innern der Abdeckung (16) untergebracht ist, wobei die Airbag-Einheit (11) einen Airbag umfaßt,

zwei Bleche (20), die zwischen sich den Airbag aufnehmen, wobei jedes der Bleche einen ersten Rand (22) aufweist, der mit der Naht (18) der Abdeckung (16) verbunden ist, sowie einen zweiten Rand (24), der von den Sitzrahmen (14) getragen bzw. gestützt wird,

einer Befestigungsvorrichtung (26) mit einem außenseitigen (28) und innenseitigen (30) Abschnitt, wobei der außenseitige Abschnitt (28) mit einem der zweiten Ränder (24) verbunden ist und der innenseitige Abschnitt (30) mit dem anderen der zweiten Ränder (24) verbunden ist, wobei der innenseitige Abschnitt (30) mit dem außenseitigen Abschnitt (28) verbunden ist, um die zweiten Ränder (24) auf dem Sitzrahmen (14) durchgängig zu tragen und

wobei der außenseitige (28) und der innenseitige (30) Abschnitt jeweils eine Rückwand (32), die sich als Streifen zwischen gegenüberliegenden Enden (35) erstreckt und mindestens einen zwischen den gegenüberliegenden Enden (35) angeordneten J-förmigen Haken (34) umfassen,
wobei die Anordnung des weiteren eine mechanische Verriegelungseinrichtung (40) umfaßt, die an mindestens einer der Rückwände (32) der Abschnitte (28, 30) angeordnet ist, um den außenseitigen (28) und den innenseitigen (30) Abschnitt miteinander zu verriegeln, wenn der J-förmige Haken (34) des außenseitigen Abschnitts (28) mit dem J-förmigen Haken (34) des innenseitigen Abschnitts (30) verzahnt ist.

2. Anordnung nach Anspruch 1, bei der jede der Rückwände (32) untere und obere Ränder aufweist, wobei sich der obere Rand über die J-förmigen Haken (34) hinaus erstreckt, um einen flachen Verbindungsabschnitt (31) entlang des oberen Randes bereitzustellen.

3. Anordnung nach Anspruch 2, die des weiteren eine Naht (33) umfaßt, die die flachen Verbindungsabschnitte (31) des außenseitigen (28) und des innenseitigen (30) Abschnitts mit den jeweiligen zweiten Rändern (24) der Bleche (20) verbindet.

4. Anordnung nach Anspruch 2, bei der der außenseitige (28) und der innenseitige (30) Abschnitt eine Reihe von J-förmigen Haken (34) umfassen.

5. Anordnung nach Anspruch 4, die des weiteren Schlitze (36) umfaßt, die benachbarte, J-förmige Haken (34) trennen.

6. Anordnung nach Anspruch 5, die des weiteren Stützrippen (38) umfaßt, die sich von der Rückwand (32) erstrecken und jeden der J-förmigen Haken (34) in einer beabstandeten Beziehung zu der Rückwand (32) unterstützen.

7. Anordnung nach Anspruch 6, bei der die Stützrippen (38) des außenseitigen Abschnitts (28) in den Schlitzen (36) des innenseitigen Abschnitts (30) angeordnet sind und die Stützrippen (38) des innenseiten Abschnitts (30) in den Schlitzen (36) des außenseitigen Abschnitts (28) angeordnet sind, wenn die J-förmigen Haken (34) miteinander verzahnt sind.

8. Anordnung nach Anspruch 7, bei der jeder der J-förmigen Haken (34) eine Basis (37) zum Eingriff mit gegenüberliegenden J-förmigen Haken (34) der gegenüberliegenden Rückwand (32) umfaßt.

9. Anordnung nach Anspruch 8, bei der jede Stützrippe (38) ab jedem J-förmigen Haken (34) mittig angeordnet ist.

10. Anordnung nach Anspruch 1, bei der die Verriegelungseinrichtung (40) mindestens einen federnden Verriegelungsfinger (42) umfaßt, der sich von mindestens einem der gegenüberliegenden Enden einer jeden Rückwand (32) nach außen erstreckt.

11. Anordnung nach Anspruch 8, bei der die Verriegelungseinrichtung (40) einen federnden Verriegelungsfinger (42) umfaßt, der sich von jedem der gegenüberliegenden Enden (35) an den oberen Rändern einer jeden Rückwand (32) erstreckt.

12. Anordnung nach Anspruch 11, bei der mindestens einer der Verriegelungsfinger (42) des außenseitigen Abschnitts (28) mit einer der Basen (37) des innenseitigen Abschnitts (30) eingreift, während mindestens einer der Verriegelungsfinger (42) des innenseitigen Abschnitts (30) mit einer der Basen (37) des außenseitigen Abschnitts (28) während der Verriegelung der Abschnitte (28, 30) eingreift.

13. Anordnung nach Anspruch 4, bei der die Verriegelungseinrichtung (40) einen federnden Verriegelungsfinger (42) umfaßt, der sich von dem unteren Rand von einem der Abschnitte (28, 30) erstreckt, wobei in den anderen Abschnitten (30, 28) eine Kerbe (44) derart ausgebildet ist, daß der Finger (42) mit der Kerbe (44) während der Verriegelung der Abschnitte (28, 30) in Eingriff gelangt.

14. Anordnung nach Anspruch 13, bei der der Verriegelungsfinger (42) und die Kerbe (44) zwischen der Reihe J-förmiger Haken (34) ausgebildet sind.

Revendications

1. Ensemble de siège (10) pour un véhicule, comprenant :

un cadre de siège (14),

une couverture (16) couvrant ledit cadre de siège (14) et incluant au moins une couture (18),

une unité d'airbag (11) supportée par ledit cadre de siège (14) et disposée à l'intérieur de ladite couverture (16), ladite unité d'airbag (11) incluant un airbag,

une paire de feuilles (20) prenant en sandwich ledit airbag entre elles, chacune desdites feuilles (20) ayant un premier bord (22) connecté à ladite couture (18) de ladite couverture (16) et un second bord (24) supporté par ledit cadre de siège (14),

un élément de fixation (26) ayant une portion extérieure (28) et une portion intérieure (30), ladite portion extérieure (28) étant connectée à l'un desdits seconds bords (24) et ladite portion intérieure (30) étant connectée à l'autre desdits seconds bords (24), ladite portion intérieure (30) étant interconnectée à ladite portion extérieure (28) pour supporter lesdits seconds bords (24) sur ledit cadre de siège (14), et

ladite portion extérieure (28) et ladite portion intérieure (30) incluant chacune un panneau dorsal (32) s'étendant sous forme d'une bande entre les extrémités opposées (35), et au moins un crochet (34) en forme de J disposé entre lesdites extrémités opposées (35),

ledit ensemble comprenant en outre un dispositif de blocage mécanique (40) disposé sur l'un au moins desdits panneaux (32) desdites portions (28, 30) pour bloquer ensemble ladite portion extérieure (28) et ladite portion intérieure (30) lorsque ledit crochet en forme de J (34) de ladite portion extérieure (28) est engagé avec ledit crochet en forme de J (34) de ladite portion intérieure (30).

2. Ensemble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chacun desdits panneaux dorsaux (32) comporte un bord supérieur et un bord inférieur, ledit bord supérieur s'étendant au-delà desdits crochets en forme de J (34) pour constituer un tronçon de connexion plat (31) le long dudit bord supérieur.

3. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, incluant en outre une couture ou jonction (33) qui connecte lesdits tronçons de connexion plats (31) de ladite portion extérieure (28) et de ladite portion intérieure (30) avec lesdits seconds bords respectifs (24) desdites feuilles (20).

4. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, dans lequel chacune desdites portions extérieure (28) et intérieure (30) inclut une série de crochets en forme de J (34).

5. Ensemble selon la revendication 4, incluant en outre des fentes (36) qui séparent des crochets en forme de J (34) adjacents.

6. Ensemble selon la revendication 5, incluant en outre une nervure de support (38) s'étendant depuis ledit panneau dorsal (38) et supportant chacun desdits crochets en forme de J (34) en relation d'espacement vis-à-vis dudit panneau dorsal (38).

7. Ensemble selon la revendication 6, dans lequel lesdites nervures de support (38) de ladite portion extérieure (28) sont disposées dans lesdites fentes (36) de ladite portion intérieure (30), et lesdites nervures de support (38) de ladite portion intérieure (30) sont disposées dans lesdites fentes (36) de ladite portion extérieure (28) lorsque lesdits crochets en forme de J (34) sont mutuellement engagés les uns dans les autres.

8. Ensemble selon la revendication 7, dans lequel chacun desdits crochets en forme de J (34) inclut une base (37) pour engager des crochets en forme de J (34) opposés du panneau dorsal opposé (32).

9. Ensemble selon la revendication 8, dans lequel chacune desdites nervures (38) est située au centre sur chacun desdits crochets en forme de J (34).

10. Ensemble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit dispositif de blocage (40) inclut au moins un doigt de blocage élastique (42) qui s'étend vers l'extérieur depuis l'une au moins desdites extrémités opposées (35) de chacun desdits panneaux (32).

11. Ensemble selon la revendication 8, dans lequel ledit dispositif de blocage (40) inclut un doigt de blocage élastique (42) qui s'étend depuis chacune desdites extrémités opposées (35) au niveau desdits bords supérieurs de chacun desdits panneaux (32).

12. Ensemble selon la revendication 11, dans lequel l'un au moins desdits doigts de blocage (42) de ladite portion extérieure (28) engage l'une desdites bases (37) de ladite portion intérieure (30), tandis que l'un au moins desdits doigts de blocage (42) de ladite portion intérieure (30) engage l'une desdites bases (37) de ladite portion extérieure (30) pendant ledit blocage desdites portions (28, 30).

13. Ensemble selon la revendication 4, dans lequel ledit dispositif de blocage (40) inclut un doigt de blocage élastique (42) qui s'étend depuis ledit bord inférieur de l'une desdites portions (28, 30), avec une encoche (44) formée dans l'autre desdites portions (30, 28) de sorte que ledit doigt (42) engage ladite encoche (44) pendant le blocage desdites portions (28, 30).

14. Ensemble selon la revendication 13, dans lequel ledit doigt (42) et ladite encoche (44) sont formés entre ladite série de crochets en forme de J (34).

Drawing